ONLINE TASTING - A Trip Up Portugal's Douro Valley

Portugal's spectacular Douro Valley is home to one of the world's most famous wines - port. However, in recent years, this stunning region has also been impressing with its non-fortified wines, made from the same grapes used for port. The best way to experience the Douro is to take a train from the city of Oporto (which gave its name to port) up the valley to the town of Pinhão and to visit the historic estates and their precipitous vineyards . Sadly, that's beyond our means to organise at this short notice - maybe next year... Instead, why not join us from the comfort of your home for an evening of Douro wines. The reds will appeal to those who love their Argentine Malbecs, while the whites - which are surpisingly brisk and fresh for wines from such a hot and sunny region - make excellent alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. I would recommend buying in advance:

• 1 bottle of Douro Red - most supermarkets have one in their range.
• 1 bottle of Douro White – this will be trickier to find, but Aldi currently has the Vinteiro Douro Branco, Sainsbury’s has a Taste the Difference Douro White while the Co-op has the Estrada Douro White (and the Co-op website allows you to see where the nearest store that stocks it is)

Make sure you get wines from Portugal, rather than ones from over the border in Spain, where the river is called the Duero.  If you feel in Portuguese mode where food is concerned, lay in the Croquetes, Pastéis de Bacalhau and Empadinhas. If that's a step too far, some good salami and cheese make a more than adequate substitute One ticket will entitle everyone in your household to attend this tasting – make sure you have enough wine to go around!